Wendy Carlisle is a shareholder in the firm’s Product Liability and Business and Commercial Litigation practice areas, with experience defending large corporations nationwide in both areas.

Wendy’s product liability practice focuses primarily on defending manufacturers of residential and commercial burglar and fire alarm systems, as well as stand-alone smoke detectors. She also defends cases against manufacturers of industrial machinery, small appliances, gas controls and other HVAC-related products, typically involving fires and explosions.

In commercial litigation, Wendy has experience defending cases involving lender liability, breach of contract and securities fraud. Her experience also includes defending claims involving securities lending and bond portfolio losses allegedly related to the subprime mortgage crisis.  

Wendy was selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers®-Rising Stars from 2006-2010. She currently serves as Vice-President on the Board of Directors of eQuality, Pathways to Potential, a nonprofit that provides jobs for mentally disabled individuals.

Professional and Civic Activities

• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Hennepin County Bar Association, Committee Member and past Committee Chair, The Hennepin Lawyer
• Minnesota Women Lawyers
• DRI
• Board of Directors, eQuality, Pathways to Potential

• Blackmore Cannon Development Co. v. U.S. Bank, Utah, dismissal on motion of all claims, including federal and state securities fraud claims, breach of contract, and tortious interference. 
• Gage v. Stanley Convergent Security Solutions, Inc., Minnesota, summary judgment on willful and wanton negligence, breach of contract and fraud claims in case arising from alarm monitoring.   
• Shapiro v. Honeywell, Massachusetts, partial summary judgment on claims of defective installation of security alarm components.
• Holmes v. Honeywell, Indiana, summary judgment for manufacturer of gas control allegedly involved in home explosion resulting in death of homeowner based on statute of repose for improvements to real property.
• Okrakene v. Minnesota FAIR Plan, Minnesota, appellate court upheld summary judgment for insurer finding insurance policy was not in effect at time of loss.
• Neumann v. Minnesota FAIR Plan, Minnesota, trial on claims of arson and insurance fraud.
• Valley Forge Ins. Co. v. Honeywell, Kentucky, trial and ultimate award of defense costs in significant property damage case.
   

Publications and Presentations

• “Lead Paint Regulations,” Newsline, a publication of the Electronic Security Association, 2011
• “More Than You Bargained For:  Potential Liability to Third Parties,” Newsline, a publication of the Electronic Security Association, 2011
• “Now what? Important First Steps When You Must Defend Against a Claim or Lawsuit,” Newsline, a publication of the Electronic Security Association, 2010
• “Winning Contract Provisions,” Newsline, a publication of the Electronic Security Association, 2010
• “Making the Sale Within the Bounds of the Law: Avoiding Deceptive Trade Practices,” Newsline, a publication of the Electronic Security Association, 2010
• “Leading the Way to Safer Roads: Employee Cell Phone Policies,” Newsline, a publication of the Electronic Security Association, 2009
• “VoIP—Should You Warn Your Customers,” Newsline, a publication of the Electronic Security Association, 2009
• Seminar Presentation, Post-Fire Investigation of Alarm Components, DRI Fire & Casualty, November 2010
• Seminar Presentation, Minnesota Electronic Security & Technology Association, February 2009
   

Education

• J.D., with honors, Drake University Law School, 2000
       Managing editor, Drake Law Review
• B.A., cum laude, Business Administration, Texas Christian University

Admissions

• State of Minnesota, 2000
• U.S. District Court for District of Minnesota, 2001
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 2010
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2005